Conclusion

Abstract

It is clear from the contributions to this volume that significant ethical challenges prevail in the mental health care of prisoners. Some countries struggle to establish even the most basic healthcare for prisoners (and probably more generally for their mentally ill patients) while others seem to be further ahead and try to achieve real equivalence of care. It is of concern that most countries report rising numbers of prisoners and a culture focused on punishment and incapacitation rather than rehabilitation. Together with cost cuts, there is little reason to expect a swift improvement of the situation of those most marginalized individuals in our societies. Changes will be slow to implement and will depend on the commitment and compassion of individuals. The importance of training, breaking the isolation of staff working in prisons, as well as effective monitoring and inspection mechanisms in this process cannot be overstated. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)